All-Terrain Construction Equipment and Methods

ABSTRACT

All-terrain construction vehicles are provided that can include: a central frame; a pair of axles, each of the axles extending substantially normally across an axis of the central frame and pivoting in relation thereto; and at least two pairs of wheels. The vehicles can include at least two pairs of levelers. The vehicles can include out-rigging operatively extending above the one axis and between an operator cab and fluid pump unit in at least one configuration, the pump and fluid therefrom operatively coupled to the axles and wheels, the axles, wheels, and pump being operatively controlled via an operator interface within the operator cab. The vehicle can include levelers along the one side of the axis of the frame configured to support a utility pole above the hydraulic fluid pump unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/130,780 which was filed on Mar. 10, 2015, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field of the disclosure is all-terrain constructionequipment and methods, particularly all-terrain vehicles for use inconstruction.

BACKGROUND

Outside urban areas, construction equipment is needed to facilitate therepair of utilities, for example. As opposed to urban areas, thelandscape of non-urban areas is neither flat nor improved, but rugged,and can cause problems for construction equipment that is typically usedin urban areas.

For example, utility lines, such as power lines span thousands of milesthroughout North America. These power lines are typically strung alongutility poles that are spaced along deforested paths crisscrossing vastwilderness areas. These paths are inaccessible to typical constructionequipment. The present disclosure provides all-terrain constructionequipment and methods that may be utilized in non-urban areas, forexample.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

All-terrain construction vehicles are provided that can include: acentral beam frame extending from a rear end of the vehicle to a frontend of the vehicle, the length between the rear end of the beam frame tothe front end of the frame defining at least one axis; a pair of axles,one associated with the rear end of the vehicle and the other associatedwith the front end of the vehicle, each of the axles extendingsubstantially normally across the one axis and pivoting in relationthereto; at least two pairs of wheels, each wheel of each pairoperatively coupled to each end of each respective axle, each of thewheels pivotably attached to each end and configured to pivot inparallel with an opposing wheel; an operator cab along one side of theone axis; and a hydraulic fluid pump unit along the opposing side of theone side of the one axis, the pump and fluid therefrom operativelycoupled to the axles and wheels, the axles, wheels, and pump beingoperatively controlled via an operator interface within the operatorcab.

All-terrain construction vehicles are provided that can include: acentral frame extending from a rear end of the vehicle to a front end ofthe vehicle, the length between the rear end of the frame to the frontend of the frame defining at least one axis; a pair of axles, oneassociated with the rear end of the vehicle and the other associatedwith the front end of the vehicle, each of the axles extendingsubstantially normally across the one axis; at least two pairs ofwheels, each wheel of each pair operatively coupled to each end of eachaxle; an operator cab along one side of the one axis; a hydraulic fluidpump unit along the opposing side of the one side of the one axis, thepump and fluid therefrom operatively coupled to the axles and wheels,the axles, wheels, and hydraulic fluid pump being operatively controlledvia an operator interface within the operator cab; an out-riggingoperatively coupled toward the rear end of the central frame andextending above the one axis and between the cab and fluid pump unit inat least one configuration.

All-terrain construction vehicles are provided that can include: acentral frame extending from a rear end of the vehicle to a front end ofthe vehicle, the length between the rear end of the frame to the frontend of the frame defining at least one axis; at least two pairs oflevelers, one pair associated with the rear end of the vehicle and theother pair associated with the front end of the vehicle, each of thelevelers comprising an arm and a foot, the arm extending from the oneaxis and configured to move the foot independently between a levelingposition and a travel position; an operator cab along one side of theone axis; a hydraulic fluid pump unit along the opposing side of the oneside of the one axis, the pump and fluid therefrom operatively coupledto the levelers, the movement of the levelers being operativelycontrolled via an operator interface within the operator cab; andwherein in the traveling position, the levelers along the one side ofthe axis are configured to support a utility pole above the hydraulicfluid pump.

All-terrain construction vehicles are provided that can include: acentral beam frame extending from a rear end of the vehicle to a frontend of the vehicle, the length between the rear end of the beam frame tothe front end of the frame defining at least one axis; a pair of axles,one associated with the rear end of the vehicle and the other associatedwith the front end of the vehicle, each of the axles extendingsubstantially normally across the one axis and pivoting in relationthereto; at least two pairs of wheels, each wheel of each pairoperatively coupled to each end of each respective axle, each of thewheels pivotably attached to each end and configured to pivot inparallel with an opposing wheel; at least two pairs of levelers, onepair associated with the rear end of the vehicle and the other pairassociated with the front end of the vehicle, each of the levelerscomprising an arm and a foot, the arm extending from the one axis andconfigured to move the foot independently between a leveling positionand a travel position; out-rigging operatively coupled toward the rearend of the central frame and extending above the one axis and betweenthe cab and fluid pump unit in at least one configuration; an operatorcab along one side of the one axis; and a hydraulic fluid pump unitalong the opposing side of the one side of the one axis, the pump andfluid therefrom operatively coupled to the axles and wheels, the axles,wheels, and pump being operatively controlled via an operator interfacewithin the operator cab; and wherein in the traveling position, thelevelers along the one side of the axis are configured to support autility pole above the hydraulic fluid pump.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to thefollowing accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an example depiction of an all-terrain construction vehicleaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the all-terrain construction vehicle of FIG. 1according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the all-terrain construction vehicle of FIG. 1in one orientation according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is the all-terrain construction vehicle of FIG. 1 in anotherorientation according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4A depicts the all-terrain construction vehicle of FIG. 1 inmultiple configurations.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the all-terrain construction vehicle of FIG. 1according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the all-terrain construction vehicle of FIG. 5in another orientation according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the all-terrain construction vehicle of FIG. 5in another orientation according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the all-terrain construction vehicle of FIG. 5in another orientation according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the all-terrain construction vehicle of FIG. 1depicting additional components of the vehicle.

FIGS. 10A-D are views of axle and wheel assemblies of the presentdisclosure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the axle and wheel assemblies of FIGS.10A-D.

FIG. 12 is a depiction of an all-terrain construction vehicle having adigger derrick assembly attached thereto according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a more detailed view of the digger derrick assembly of FIG.12 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a depiction of the all-terrain construction vehicle accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure with depictions of the digger derrickassembly in three separate configurations according to embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an all-terrain construction vehicle that includes a man liftassembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the man lift assembly of FIG. 13 accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an elevation of an all-terrain construction vehicle thatincludes levelers configured to support a utility pole duringtransportation according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is an all-terrain construction vehicle of the disclosure in atrack rather than wheel configuration.

FIG. 19 is another depiction of the all-terrain construction vehicle ofFIG. 18 having a man bucket apparatus attached thereto.

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is submitted in furtherance of the constitutionalpurposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science anduseful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

The all-terrain construction vehicles and methods of the presentdisclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-19.

Referring first to FIG. 1, an all-terrain construction vehicle 10 isshown that includes a beam frame 12 that extends the length of thevehicle from the rear end of the vehicle to the front end of thevehicle. The length between the rear end of the frame and front end ofthe frame defines at least one axis. Frame 12 can be a box beam. Frame12 can be a fabricated metal or structural steel frame, for example, andframe 12 may take on an I-beam configuration wherein the upper portionsprovide platforms and the lower portions provide platforms, and they maybe connected by another member that is normal between both platforms.The frame can be a fabricated metal frame or structure. The frame canprovide for platform mounting on top, bottom, and/or sides as well.

Along this frame 12 can be wheels 14, and on opposing ends of frame 12can be the levelers 16. While the levelers are depicted as two pairs, asingle pair operatively associated with frame 12 may be sufficient forsome applications. Upon the frame can be an open or enclosed operatorcab 18, as well at the end of frame 12 can be a blade 20.

The blade 20, levelers 16, and wheels 14 can all be manipulated via anengine, to be disclosed later, that also may drive hydraulics for themanipulation of the blade levelers and wheel angle, for example.

Referring next to FIG. 2, a front view of all-terrain constructionvehicle 10 is shown that includes a depiction of the extended levelers16, wheels 14, and a muffler above hydraulic pump/engine 22 and cab 18.As can be seen, hydraulic pump/engine 22 is offset from cab 18 uponframe 12, for example. More particularly, engine 22 and cab 18 opposeone another with frame 12 therebetween. Therein, engine 22 is along oneside of the axis and cab 18 is along the other side.

Referring next to FIG. 3, according to one orientation, vehicle 10 maybe upon a nonplanar surface, wherein perhaps front wheels 14 are offsetfrom rear wheels 14. Wheels 14 can reside along an axle 30, and thisaxle 30 may also pivot upon frame 12, for example, allowing for therotation of the axle wheel assembly as shown in FIG. 3. Moreparticularly, vehicle 10 can include a pair of axles. One of the pair ofaxles 30 as shown can be associated with the front end of vehicle 10 andthe other of the pair can be associated with the rear end of thevehicle. As shown, each of the axles can extend substantially normallyacross the one axis. By substantially normally, the axles may extendaway from the axis at a functional angle. Either or both of the twoaxles may be configured to pivotably couple with frame 12 at a pointsuch as shown at point 32 for example.

Referring to FIG. 4, the wheel assembly and levelers can be alignedwherein axle 30 and axis point 32 are juxtaposed from rear wheels in thevehicle, and levelers 16 associated with the rear of the vehicle arealigned with the rear wheels, while the levelers in the front of thevehicle are aligned with the front wheels, thereby allowing for hillsideleveling, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the box beam configuration, opposing opening through the walls of thebox beam can be provided. Axle 30 can extend through these openings andpivotably couple.

Various configurations of the axles and levelers of vehicle 10 are shownin FIG. 4A. The leveling can allow the chassis to be leveled completelyplumb for stationary work when using a main attachment such as a manlift or digger derrick, for example. The axle leveling can allow forrough chassis leveling during travel to increase stability whiletraveling along a hillside.

In accordance with example implementations, vehicle 10 may be equippedwith auto leveling systems that provides for the auto leveling ofvehicle 10 in the ambulatory or stationary configuration. As an example,when auto leveling is engaged, the electronic control system sends asignal to the rear axle leveling valve which will send hydraulic oil tothe rear axle levelling cylinders keeping the machine level whenstationary or moving. The front axle can “float” when auto level isengaged. Float refers to allowing the axle to tilt freely along axis 32.Vehicle 10 can include a “front axle float” mode where the rear axle islocked, and the front axle floats. Vehicle 10 can also be tiltedmanually where the operator tilts the machine manually which engagesboth the front and rear axles.

Referring next to FIG. 5, a top view of vehicle 10 is shown wherein theblade 20, levelers 16, wheels 14, and pivot points 32 (part of the oneaxis) and axles 30 are aligned along frame 12 with cab 18 opposingengine 22.

As shown, at least two pairs of wheels are provided, with each wheel ofeach pair operatively coupled to each end of each respective axle 30.Each of the wheels pivotably couple with each end of the axle and areconfigured to pivot in parallel with an opposing wheel as is depicted inFIGS. 6-9. The wheels may pivotably couple about another axis that issubstantially normal to the axis of points 32. Each wheel includes anindependent wheel drive having variable hydraulic motors. For example,Planetaries: Auburn 160CD triple reduction compact final drive andDanfoss H1 80 cc cartridge motor with speed sensing can be utilized aspart of a rim that will support tires such as forestry tires that are64″ OD×24″ wide.

Referring to FIG. 6, according to one orientation, wheels 14 at thefront of vehicle 10 are shown in a slightly turned position. Referringto FIG. 7, both front and rear wheels are turned in the same direction,allowing for independent turning of wheels 14 at hubs 60 and 62, forexample. Referring to FIG. 8, again according to another orientation,wheels move independently of one another wherein front wheels are turnedin one direction, and rear wheels are turned in the opposing direction.

Referring to FIG. 9, a top view of the all-terrain construction vehicleof FIG. 1 is shown depicting additional components of the vehicle, forexample, front and rear winches 70 and 80. Engine pump unit 72 can be ahydraulic fluid pump unit such as the Cummins QSB6.7L 260HP for example.This unit can provide for both hydraulic pumping to open and closed loopsystems as well as electrical energy production for operable use ofvehicle 10. Hydraulic fluid can be stored in tank 86 and a water tank 74can be provided with an electric pump if desired. Dual hose reels 76 andtool boxes 78 can also be provided. A fuel tank 82 can be provided onthe opposing side of the axis along with operator cab 84 which can beequipped with an air ride system. The vehicle may also be equipped witha roll over protection system.

Unit 72 can be operatively coupled to the axles, wheels, blades, thelevelers and/or attachments via hose and control valves as well as theoperator interface control panel within the operator cab. The wheels maybe coupled to a hydrostatic (closed loop) pump.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10D and 11 various views of an axle assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure are shown. About axle 210can be axle spindles 211 and 222. Coupling axle 210 to frame 12 can beaxle tilt trunnion carrier 212 and axle tilt trunnion retainer 213.About spindles 211 and 222, respectively can be bearing 223, hydrostaticwheel drive motor 224, wheel drive 225, and wheel spacer 226. Couplingthis wheel assembly to axle 210 can be axle steering stop 214, axle kingpin cap 215, contact spherical bearing 216, axle king pin dust washer217, axle king pin shims 218, 219, and 220, and axle king pin trunnion221. Axle motor bulkhead 209 can also be provided.

Axle components for operatively pivoting the wheel assemblies about axle210 can include axle steer cylinder support 201, axle steer cylindershim 202, steer cylinder 203, hardened steel thin hex nut 204, male rodhead 205, steering link pin retainer 206, axle steering link pin 207,and axle steering link 208. The overall dimensions of an exampleaxle/wheel assembly can be for example 101.95″ in length, a height of 1911/16″ and width of 23¾′.

Referring to FIG. 12, an additional apparatus is shown attached toconstruction vehicle 10. This apparatus in this embodiment is a diggerderrick 90, for example. Digger derrick 90 can have a pole picker end 92as well as a digging apparatus 94. Digger derrick 90 can be coupled toframe 12 at the rear end portion of construction vehicle 10, forexample. This is just one example of an attachment for vehicle 10. Asshown, these attachments couple with vehicle 10 at the rearward portionof the vehicle, but they also extend above the axis of the frame andbetween the pump unit and operators cab.

Referring to FIG. 13, digger derrick 90 is shown in more detail alone,having pole picker end 92 and digger 94, for example. The digger derrickcan include telescoping members, an auger, and a hook. In accordancewith example implementations and with reference to FIG. 14, diggerderrick 90 is shown in three positions; one in the stationary position,or traveling position; another in the pole picking position; and anotherin the digging position.

Referring to FIG. 15, all-terrain construction vehicle 10 is shown witha man lift attachment, and this attachment as well is coupled to frame12 at the rear portion. FIG. 16 depicts the man lift assembly as wellseparate from vehicle 10. As shown, the man lift assembly can includearticulating members coupled to a man bucket.

Referring next to FIG. 17, according to another embodiment of thedisclosure, vehicle 10 can include at least two pairs of levelers 150,one pair associated with the rear end of vehicle 10 and another pairassociated with the front end of vehicle 10. Each of the levelers 150can include an arm 152 and a foot 154. Arm 152 can extend from the axisof 32 and can be configured to have one end of the arm pivotably coupleto the frame about that axis. Arm 152 can extend substantially normallyto the one axis according to an implementation. The arm can beconfigured and controllable to pivot between a first position 160 forstationary use and a second position 170 during ambulatory use or thetravel position.

In the travel position 170, foot 154 can be configured to support autility pole for example. Foot 154 can be configured to pivotablycoupled with arm 152 and can include a base 172 and a member 174connecting the base with the arm. In accordance with exampleimplementations, the member can be a pair of members embracing the armtherebetween. Member 174 can include an arcuate portion 175 configuredto receive the curved exterior 178 of a utility pole 176. In thisconfiguration, with levelers of the same side of the axis in the travelposition, a utility pole 176 can extend therebetween and above the pumpunit across from the operator cab. Pole 176 can be coupled to thelevelers in the travel position by conventional means.

FIGS. 18 and 19 depict the all-terrain construction vehicle having trackconfigurations rather than wheels. These track assemblies arecommercially available.

In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention have beendescribed in language more or less specific as to structural andmethodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the entireinvention is not limited to the specific features and/or embodimentsshown and/or described, since the disclosed embodiments comprise formsof putting the invention into effect.

1. An all-terrain construction vehicle comprising: a central beam frameextending from a rear end of the vehicle to a front end of the vehicle,the length between the rear end of the beam frame to the front end ofthe frame defining at least one axis; a pair of axles, one associatedwith the rear end of the vehicle and the other associated with the frontend of the vehicle, each of the axles extending substantially normallyacross the one axis and pivoting in relation thereto; at least two pairsof wheels, each wheel of each pair operatively coupled to each end ofeach respective axle, each of the wheels pivotably attached to each endand configured to pivot in parallel with an opposing wheel; an operatorcab along one side of the one axis; and a hydraulic fluid pump unitalong the opposing side of the one side of the one axis, the pump andfluid therefrom operatively coupled to the axles and wheels, the axles,wheels, and pump being operatively controlled via an operator interfacewithin the operator cab.
 2. The all-terrain construction vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein the beam frame is configured as a box beam.
 3. Theall-terrain construction vehicle of claim 2 further comprising pairs ofopposing openings extending through walls of the box beam, each axleextending through a pair of opposing openings.
 4. The all-terrainconstruction vehicle of claim 1 wherein the wheels are configured topivot about another axis that is substantially normal to the axis of theaxle to which they are coupled.
 5. The all-terrain construction vehicleof claim 4 wherein each of the wheels comprises a hydraulic motor.
 6. Anall-terrain construction vehicle comprising: a central frame extendingfrom a rear end of the vehicle to a front end of the vehicle, the lengthbetween the rear end of the frame to the front end of the frame definingat least one axis; a pair of axles, one associated with the rear end ofthe vehicle and the other associated with the front end of the vehicle,each of the axles extending substantially normally across the one axis;at least two pairs of wheels, each wheel of each pair operativelycoupled to each end of each axle; an operator cab along one side of theone axis; a hydraulic fluid pump unit along the opposing side of the oneside of the one axis, the pump and fluid therefrom operatively coupledto the axles and wheels, the axles, wheels, and hydraulic fluid pumpbeing operatively controlled via an operator interface within theoperator cab; and out-rigging operatively coupled toward the rear end ofthe central frame and extending above the one axis and between the caband fluid pump unit in at least one configuration.
 7. The all-terrainconstruction vehicle of claim 6 wherein the out-rigging comprises a manlift.
 8. The all-terrain construction vehicle of claim 7 wherein the manlift comprises reticulating arms and a bucket.
 9. The all-terrainconstruction vehicle of claim 6 wherein the out-rigging comprises adigger derrick.
 10. The all-terrain construction vehicle of claim 9wherein the digger derrick comprises telescoping members, an auger, anda hook.
 11. An all-terrain construction vehicle comprising: a centralframe extending from a rear end of the vehicle to a front end of thevehicle, the length between the rear end of the frame to the front endof the frame defining at least one axis; at least two pairs of levelers,one pair associated with the rear end of the vehicle and the other pairassociated with the front end of the vehicle, each of the levelerscomprising an arm and a foot, the arm extending from the one axis andconfigured to move the foot independently between a leveling positionand a travel position; an operator cab along one side of the one axis; ahydraulic fluid pump unit along the opposing side of the one side of theone axis, the pump and fluid therefrom operatively coupled to thelevelers, the movement of the levelers being operatively controlled viaan operator interface within the operator cab; and wherein in thetraveling position, the levelers along the one side of the axis areconfigured to support a utility pole above the hydraulic fluid pump. 12.The all-terrain construction vehicle of claim 11 wherein one end of eacharm of each leveler is pivotably coupled to the central frame.
 13. Theall-terrain construction vehicle of claim 12 wherein each foot of eachleveler pivotably couples with each arm.
 14. The all-terrainconstruction vehicle of claim 13 wherein each foot comprises a base anda member connecting the base and the arm.
 15. The all-terrainconstruction vehicle of claim 14 wherein the member can be a pair ofmembers embracing the arm therebetween.
 16. The all-terrain constructionvehicle of claim 14 wherein the member defines at least one arcuateportion configured to receive the curved exterior of a utility pole. 17.An all-terrain construction vehicle comprising: a central beam frameextending from a rear end of the vehicle to a front end of the vehicle,the length between the rear end of the beam frame to the front end ofthe frame defining at least one axis; a pair of axles, one associatedwith the rear end of the vehicle and the other associated with the frontend of the vehicle, each of the axles extending substantially normallyacross the one axis and pivoting in relation thereto; at least two pairsof wheels, each wheel of each pair operatively coupled to each end ofeach respective axle, each of the wheels pivotably attached to each endand configured to pivot in parallel with an opposing wheel; at least twopairs of levelers, one pair associated with the rear end of the vehicleand the other pair associated with the front end of the vehicle, each ofthe levelers comprising an arm and a foot, the arm extending from theone axis and configured to move the foot independently between aleveling position and a travel position; out-rigging operatively coupledtoward the rear end of the central frame and extending above the oneaxis and between the cab and fluid pump unit in at least oneconfiguration; an operator cab along one side of the one axis; and ahydraulic fluid pump unit along the opposing side of the one side of theone axis, the pump and fluid therefrom operatively coupled to the axlesand wheels, the axles, wheels, and pump being operatively controlled viaan operator interface within the operator cab; and wherein in thetraveling position, the levelers along the one side of the axis areconfigured to support a utility pole above the hydraulic fluid pump. 18.The all-terrain construction vehicle of claim 17 further comprising ablade that is coupled to the frame.